In a remarkable turn of events, the beloved holiday anthem "Last Christmas" by Wham! has achieved an unprecedented milestone. Despite not reaching the top spot upon its release in 1984, the song has now secured the coveted number one position on the festive chart for two consecutive years. This achievement comes after a successful fan-driven campaign and fierce competition from contemporary artists. The song's creator, George Michael, would have been thrilled to see his composition become an integral part of holiday celebrations, evoking the spirit of Christmas as many envision it.

The Journey of a Timeless Holiday Classic

In the golden autumn of 1984, George Michael penned what would become an enduring holiday classic. Four decades later, "Last Christmas" has made history by topping the festive charts for the second year in a row. The song's success is a testament to its timeless appeal, outshining tracks by modern artists like Mariah Carey and Ariana Grande. According to the Official Charts Company, the song garnered an impressive 12.6 million streams in the week leading up to Christmas.

This milestone was celebrated by Michael's former bandmate Andrew Ridgeley, who expressed his joy at seeing his late friend's talent recognized. He remarked that the song has become almost as synonymous with Christmas as traditional holiday treats. A recent BBC documentary, Wham!’s Last Christmas Unwrapped, delved into the creation of this iconic track, revealing that Michael played every instrument himself before traveling to Saas-Fe, Switzerland, to film the music video.

Upon returning, Michael joined forces with Bob Geldof’s Band Aid project, which ultimately claimed the top spot on the charts that year. Despite the initial disappointment, Michael generously donated all royalties from "Last Christmas" to support the Band Aid cause. His passing on Christmas Day 2016 only deepened the emotional significance of the song for fans and friends alike.

From a journalist's perspective, the enduring popularity of "Last Christmas" serves as a poignant reminder of the power of music to transcend time and touch hearts across generations. It also highlights the generosity and humility of George Michael, whose legacy continues to inspire and uplift during the holiday season.